Kenyan ‘psychopath’ accused of murdering 42 women escapes in prison break

A suspected serial killer who killed dozens of young Kenyan women and dumped their bodies in a garbage dump has escaped from prison in a mass breakout.

Collins Jumaisi Khalusha was being held in a police cell in Nairobi when he and 12 Eritrean detainees cut their way through wire mesh in the early hours of Tuesday.

The 33-year-old, described by police as a “vampire” and a “psychopath”, was arrested last month when the bodies of young women were found in a disused quarry.

Police claim that Jumaisi admitted to killing 42 women, including his wife. However, his lawyer testified in court that he was forced to confess through torture. Prosecutors deny that he was ill-treated.

A judge last week ordered Jumaisi to remain in custody for 30 days while police continue their investigation.

Resila Onyango, a spokeswoman for the Kenyan police, said: “Investigations have been launched and a major security operation is underway to apprehend the 13 suspects.”

Officers discovered the outbreak while making a routine visit to the cells to serve breakfast at around 5am (3am BST).

The wire had been cut in a “sun bay,” where prisoners had access to fresh air, and the escapees had climbed a perimeter wall.